THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 Page 11 terms of 15 to 30 years instead of the previous 20 year maximum. It also directs the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to review the eff ectiveness of existing solicitations in contributing to state emissions requirements and to ensuring high labor standards in clean energy, including off - shore wind, clean energy generation, and storage procurements. It further requires DOER, in consultation with DPU and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), to issue guidance on longterm power purchase agreements (PPAs) between offshore wind developers and municipalities, including approved aggregation plans. The bill also expands existing tax credits for off shore wind facility employers, who now only need 50 full-time employees to be eligible for tax credits and refundable credits for capital investment. Advanced Metering Infrastructure. As demand on the electrical grid increases with the adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)—including smart meters, communications networks and data management systems—will enable efficient grid management and improved resiliency. This legislation supports the rollout of these crucial technologies by requiring the utilities deploying them to create a centralized data repository to provide access to detailed AMI customer data, subject to customer approval. It also authorizes DPU to provide cost recovery for necessary expenses incurred by utilities in AMI implementation. It further maintains consumer protections by establishing an opt-out option for electric customers. These changes will help companies and individuals use their devices more effi - ciently and provide real-time data to the grid, allowing for greater fl exibility. The legislation also allows customers to install EV chargers or heat pumps without triggering the need for expensive electrical upgrades by authorizing the installation of meter socket adapters to eff ectively manage increased load. Solar Energy. This bill establishes new policies to facilitate the deployment of solar energy through updates to historic district laws, providing policy recommendations through a solar canopy working group, and requiring DPU to explore expanding access to net crediting. It also expands aff ordability and access for low-income customers in the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program and authorizes the transfer of SMART solar credits to customers in any electric utility territory. Decarbonizing buildings. Because buildings across the state continue to be a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, this legislation advances eff orts to decarbonize them. It authorizes condo association boards to install energy effi ciency devices and EV chargers in common areas and increases the effi ciency of heat pumps by allowing installers to use the most upto-date refrigerants. Supporting lean technology and innovation. To ensure that the next generation of technology is built in Massachusetts, the legislation will expand support to the state’s innovators. The legislation does this by expanding the purview of MassCEC to include carbon removal, embodied carbon reduction, and nuclear power. MassCEC is also directed to promote carbon removal and embodied carbon activities, and study opportunities for future carbon removal. Leading by example. The legislation directs the state to analyze its own climate impacts and how state infrastructure can be more climate friendly. It directs the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) to evaluate the climate impacts of state buildings and seek options for emissions reductions, and directs Massport to prioritize reducing emissions while pursuing commerce and growth. It also expands the mission of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards to include reducing emissions and embodied carbon. Having passed both chambers of the Legislature, the measure will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature. T ~ OP-ED ~ Revere Veterans Committee Thanks Supporters he Revere Veterans Committee was established to conduct a Veterans’ Day ceremony on November 11th for the City of Revere on behalf of the Veterans of Revere. In 2004 we conducted the fi rst, in many years, Veterans Day services and dinner for the Veterans of Revere and the Chelsea Soldiers Home at the VFW in Beachmont. We completed our mission by issuing an annual scholarship to Revere High School JROTC cadets and sponsoring the Veterans Day entertainment at the Revere Senior Center. The Committee was put together with the total co-operation of Councillor Ira Novoselsky, my Co-Chairman. It was his idea to get me involved in helping the Veterans of Revere and re-establish a Veterans Day Program in the City of Revere. This program is conducted with the assistance of Revere’s Director of Veteran Services, Julia Cervantes, and has now obtained total support of the Revere City offi cials, local businesses and local civic organizations. This year we honored and presented certifi cates of appreciation to several organizations and individuals for their support of our programs and the Veterans of the City of Revere. They included the Beachmont VFW Post 6712 as the host for the City Memorial Day ceremonies, Co-Sponsor St. Jean’s Credit Union, Beachmont VFW Post #6712, Joseph Leon Mottolo Post 4524, American Legion Post #61 and Prince-Strauss/ Groman Jewish War Veterans Post 161- Revere. Special thanks go out to the many businesses, private contributors and organizations that made this event possible and the success that it was: Congresswoman Katherine Clark, State Senator Lydia Edwards, State Representatives Jeffrey Turco and Jessica Giannino, Mayor Patrick Keefe, Revere City Councillors Bob Haas III, Anthony Zambuto, Ira Novoselsky and Angela Guarino-Sawaya. Special thanks go to the Revere School Committee members John Kingston and Anthony Caggiano. Private businesses and individuals assisting in our eff orts included: Alan LaBella — our DJ for the evening, BJ’s, Beach Sales, Luberto’s, and Dunkin Donuts. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped to make this happen. An event such as this brings a community together. That’s what it is all about! Thank you for your support of our veterans. Sincerely, Al Terminiello, Co-Chairman Revere Veterans’ Committee Monogram D4 Double siding Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl 66 Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured
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